First Lady Mary Pat Christie today announced that Beth Stefannacci, founder of Go4theGoal Pediatric Cancer Foundation, has been selected as this month’s New Jersey Hero in the first-ever online public selection process, becoming the 33rd Hero overall and the 2ndof 2015.

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., Co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, was joined today by local law enforcement officials from across northern New Jersey at the Police Officer John Samra Memorial in Clifton to urge passage of legislation he introduced to create a nationwide alert system to assist in the apprehension of violent criminals who have injured or killed police officers.

Medical marijuana legislation, led in the Senate by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is gaining more and more bipartisan support. Six Republicans and six Democrats have now cosponsored the bipartisan, bicameral Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act,

The Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) recently announced its recognition by the Association of Environmental Authorities of New Jersey for its outstanding public education programs. The public education programs promote an understanding of water, wastewater, solid waste and recycling industries.

Frank Franzsese, of Cedar Grove, who was charged in connection with obtaining a fake New Jersey driver’s license, turned himself in on Monday afternoon. Franzese was previously reported by the prosecutor’s office as a fugitive and his whereabouts were unknown.

The Christie Administration today announced 9 grants totaling $20 million through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Rail Freight Assistance Program. Bergen County will receive $4,321,800 (70%) of the $6,174,000 cost to replace the Overpeck Creek Bridge in Ridgefield Park.

The struggles of middle-class American families and growing income inequality have risen to the top of the national agenda. A new Stateline analysis shows that in all 50 states, the percentage of “middle-class” households has shrunk between 2000 and 2013